Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Augustine Day by Day - August 17 - The Force of Habit

"Undeniably, we have the free power to do or not to do anything, before we are caught up in any habit. When we have used this freedom to do something, the sweetness and pleasure of the act holds our soul, and it is caught up in the sort of habit that it cannot break--by its own act of sin. If you want to see what I mean, start trying not to swear: then you will see how the force of habit goes its own way."

-- Against Fortunatus 22

It's too bad I know exactly what Augsutine means with that last sentence.

Prayer. Lord, you are never needy, yet you are pleased with gain. You are never covetous, yet you exact interest on all you give us.

-- Confessions 1, 4

August 17

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